Economy – Page 6

Christmas tree growers fearful, but optimistic

By Curt Kipp — Posted October 28, 2009

The Woodburn Independent examines this year’s outlook for the Christmas tree industry. Growers hope sales this year will be is as good as last year or slightly better. Not mentioned is the negative effect the unresolved trade dispute with Mexico will have on sales.

Green Communities Act introduced

By Curt Kipp — Posted May 20, 2009

The Oregon Association of Nurseries, and numerous other green industry trade groups, are getting behind the Green Communities Act, a federal bill introduced recently by U.S. Rep. Alyson Schwartz (D-Penn.). The bill would direct the U.S. Department of Commerce to award matching grants to up to 80 municipalities towards improving their “green infrastructure.” This could […]

How to set prices in a recession

By Curt Kipp — Posted April 20, 2009

Entrepreneur magazine has a short-but-thorough primer up on the art of setting prices for your products during a recession. Although it doesn’t mention nurseries specifically, all of the information is applicable, and a few of the points are particularly germane. Specifically: Are you offering an affordable luxury? During a recession, most consumers may still be […]

Schrader’s help enlisted in trade dispute

By Curt Kipp — Posted April 15, 2009

Major agricultural producers from Oregon met today with U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) to ask for his help in resolving a costly trade dispute between Mexico and the United States. There’s a press release about it here (PDF). The issue came to a boil in March, when Congress voted to scrap a pilot program that […]

Awaiting a sunnier spring

By Curt Kipp — Posted April 10, 2009

How are nurseries coping with current conditions – both economically and meteorologically speaking? Dana Tims of the Oregonian spoke to three of them: Oregon Small Trees, Fisher Farms and Terra Nova Nurseries. Here’s his report, which appeared in some of Thursday’s editions.

The pros and cons of furloughs

By Curt Kipp — Posted March 26, 2009

Sad though it may be, many employers resorting to layoffs and terminations as a means to reducing costs. After all, labor is the largest expense for many employers. During the current recession, a different option has become increasingly popular. Furloughs are mandatory, unpaid time off for a larger group of employees. Unlike layoffs, furloughs keep […]

Card check consequences

By Curt Kipp — Posted March 5, 2009

Proposed card check legislation, also known as the Employee Free Choice Act, is one of the main concerns of business groups this year. Now the Law and Economics Consulting Group (LECG) has a report out concluding that if passed, the act would increase union membership, but it would also increase unemployment due to higher wage […]

Uptick in attendance

By Curt Kipp — Posted February 25, 2009

We received this bit of information from the Northwest Flower & Garden Show: In a year where consumer and trade shows alike are reporting double-digit percentage drops in attendance, the Northwest Flower & Garden Show actually grew, according to show founder Duane Kelly. The show, which ran February 18-22 at the Washington State Convention & […]

‘The last thing employers need’

By Curt Kipp — Posted February 11, 2009

The hot issue in Washington, D.C. right now is the much-discussed economic stimulus package, which has evolved and changed over the course of negotiations between Senate leaders, Obama administration officials and other involved parties. One of the provisions that could affect nursery owners would be the Kingston amendment, which is part of the House-approved version […]

Seattle, San Francisco garden shows ending

By Curt Kipp — Posted January 30, 2009

Duane Kelly, chairman of Salmon Bay Events, made an announcement this morning that surprised many people in the industry — that the Northwest Flower & Garden Show in Seattle, and the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show, will both end with their 2009 editions, unless he can find a buyer for them. From the official […]